ROMAN LAKES- MARPLE
BRADLEY & BETHANY
Roman Lakes Wedding Photographer – Being a regular photographer at Roman Lakes I can particularly recommend this venue. Undeniably, one of the most popular of venues in the Greater Manchester and whenever I get a booking here, I’m very excited. Rather than a legal ceremony, Bradley & Bethany decided to have a blessing surrounded by friends and family. Though not a legal marriage, they had actually got married a few days earlier.
I was especially looking forward to meeting Bradley & Bethany and straightaway new this would be a unique wedding. Furthermore the venue is not the usual traditional style that I find myself in as a photographer. I’m especially interested in the history of Mills that were built before the Industrial revolution, especially in the North West. Despite Roman Lakes being part of Greater Manchester, it was originally on the border of Cheshire and Derbyshire.
Formally the Lake was used as a Mill Pond for the Cotton Mill, called Bottom’s Mill. Following a fire in 1892 the building was destroyed. However the foundations are still in place today. Furthermore the Mill was 6 stories high and had two waterwheels.
DIFFERENT
The venue is nestled deep within the valley, surrounded by stunning woodland and set beside the lake is unquestionably unique and magical. Indeed it’s significantly a very unpretentious venue with a history to match. I particularly as a Roman Lakes Photographer I find it an incredibly interesting venue to photograph a wedding here. During your time here, you feel a sense of peace although not even far away from the village of Marple. Furthermore it’s well away from residential streets so you really do have some privacy here.
The Tea rooms at Roman Lakes can accommodate up to 90 seated guests and furthermore has extensive outdoor covered seating. This is especially useful at a wedding instead of guests being crammed into one room. Furthermore I do find that guests really do like to get away from noise and catch up with family members and friends.
The Ceremony
Guests were greeted by Bradley who was nervously waiting at the front of the main room but overall very calm. The space is indeed very light and welcoming and I had a great view of all the guests. Meanwhile Bethany and her bridesmaids were outside, eagerly waiting. Though not traditional, the ring bearer was their pet dog who was extremely excited and made great entertainment for all.
Since the Bradley & Bethany were already legally married, the hand fasting ceremony was conducted by their chosen celebrant. The ceremony was a specifically symbolic ritual where couple’s hands are tied together to represent their commitment to each other. Following 20 minutes or so it was confetti inside then outside for drinks and canapes. The outdoor space was perfect for photography and equally pleasant.
Since it was raining we did have to shelter slightly but regardless of the weather it was perfect for those long distance, candid shots. Generally at weddings it can be quite difficult to get the long distance shots due to being in small spaces. However, it’s not a problem here.
into the evening
There's plenty of space for a few group photos too, certainly not the case for all venues. Furthermore, the venue is geared up to offer all kinds of catering opportunities - Bradley & Bethany went for a buffet option, albeit simple but worked perfect here especially with such chilled out friends and family.
Certainly one of my favourite parts of a wedding to photograph are speeches. They were the perfect mix of emotion and particularly laughter.
Lastly it was time for the first dance and some dancing from guests. Instead of a DJ, the newly weds had a particularly happy and upbeat playlist which indeed got everyone dancing.
Unquestionably, Roman Lakes is one of my favourite venues, especially as it's away from the mainstream venues. Furthermore it's very unique and I would highly recommend visiting.
